We have seen the discovery and confirmation of thousands of exoplanets since the first planet found orbiting a Sun-like star, and we are now on the verge of entering an exciting new era of planetary exploration: detection and characterization of terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres. Detecting H2O, O2, and O3 in exoplanet atmospheres is the first step on the path to determining planet habitability, and efficiency is key to maximizing the science output from limited observation time, especially in next-generation instrument design such as the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). Knowing this, the optimal wavelength for the spectral bandpass used for observations is a crucial factor to consider.
Coronagraphic design currently limits the observing strategy used to detect H2O, O2, and O3, requiring the choice of specific bandpasses to optimize abundance constraints. We use a pre-constructed grid consisting of 1.4 million geometric albedo spectra across a range of abundance and pressure and interpolate to produce forward models for an efficient nested sampling routine, PSGnest, thus enabling wide ranges of parametric retrievals. By understanding the SNR requirements for detecting molecules of interest, and properly prioritizing the spectral bandpasses to optimize detectability of different atmospheric constituents, we can inform the best instrument designs and observing procedure as we look to the HWO.
HWO is a multi-generational Great Observatory telescope, encompassing many years of scientists being trained and recruited. By implementing effective and ethical mentorship techniques based on current research into the ground floor of HWO development, we can increase the rate of recruitment and retention of historically minoritized groups in astronomy and physics using HWO.
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